UFU presidents urges farmers to stay positive

He said that while every farm business was now going through times, the industry remained central to the local economy – and was an industry that had beaten difficult times in the past.

“We know farming is cyclical – but what the industry is going through now is the deepest trough that most of us can remember in a farming generation,” he said.

“Despite that we have a lot going for us. We are farmers because that’s what we want to be – and we are an industry proud of what we produce and of the fact that we underpin the local food industry,” said the UFU president.

Underlining that food is the biggest private sector employer in Northern Ireland, its biggest export earner and the biggest sector of the economy, Mr Marshall said this made it important that everyone joined in with the year-long celebration of local food and drink.

“We have made clear right from the planning stage that farmers are fully on board with the Year of Food and Drink. We are delighted consumers support our products. They do so because they know the good food story of Northern Ireland starts with farm families,” he said.

He added that in tough times the industry needed to remember that the growing public interest in food had earned farmers a new level of respect in society.

“It’s easy to say that respect doesn’t pay the bills we face because prices are below the level of production – but it’s an asset other industries would give their eye teeth to have,” said the UFU president.

During this year of Food and Drink one of the UFU’s objectives was to bring the local food industry to the heart of Northern Ireland’s major city and give it the recognition that it deserves. Working with Belfast City Council the Union decided to hold its annual dinner in the City Hall, a venue for many big celebrations over the years.

“This has clearly demonstrated that local as well as Central Government in Northern Ireland is fully intent on delivering an enhanced sustainable and profitable agrifood industry producing what consumers want and driving prosperity throughout the entire region,” said Mr Marshall.

He added that it is right that to mark a year built around the success of our industry in such a prestigious location.

“Like Cinderella, we can return to our cash flow issues tomorrow – but in a tough year no-one can begrudge us one night when we can forget our problems and celebrate Northern Ireland’s most important industry,” said Mr Marshall.